Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have faced increased scrutiny in recent months, yet they remain crucial for businesses striving for long-term success. In 2025, companies that prioritize DEI are not only enhancing workplace culture but also driving innovation, improving financial performance, and building stronger customer relationships. Here’s why DEI is still essential:
Enhances Innovation & Creativity: A diverse workforce brings varied perspectives that foster creativity, leading to better problem-solving and innovation.
Improves Employee Engagement & Retention: Inclusive workplaces result in higher employee satisfaction, reducing turnover and increasing productivity.
Drives Better Business Performance: Studies continue to show that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform competitors in revenue growth and profitability.
Strengthens Brand Reputation: Consumers prefer to support businesses that align with their values, and DEI commitments strengthen brand loyalty.
cred’s Continued Commitment to DEI
At cred, DEI is more than just a set of initiatives—it is a principle embedded in our culture and how we operate. Our approach goes beyond hiring practices to create an environment where every individual feels welcomed, respected, and empowered. We actively foster diverse perspectives, strive for 50% representation of women and underrepresented groups in our speaker roster, and provide pro bono thought leadership services through our credVoices program.
Additionally, we empower our team members through year-round personal and professional development programs, conduct regular all-company DEI trainings to foster a culture of inclusion, and maintain flexible working policies that support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives while thriving in their roles. For more details on our DEI commitments and how we translate them into actionable strategies, check out our previous blog post: A Guide for Success: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace.
How Leading Companies Are Prioritizing DEI
Despite external pressures, several major corporations continue to embrace and invest in DEI, demonstrating its long-term business benefits. Here’s how industry leaders are keeping DEI at the forefront of their strategies:
Costco: DEI as a Driver of Innovation and Customer Satisfaction
Costco remains committed to DEI, reinforcing that inclusion does not equate to quotas but rather enhances business operations. The company has maintained its DEI policies despite challenges, with 98% of shareholders voting to uphold inclusivity initiatives. As outlined in its FY24 Demographic Report, Costco remains accountable by regularly sharing workforce data, demonstrating transparency in its progress and commitments. They emphasize that a diverse workforce and supplier base have led to increased creativity and innovation in its merchandise and services, ultimately improving customer satisfaction.
“Our commitment to inclusion ... does not and has never included quotas or systematic preferences, nor does it mean compromising merit,” said Tony E. James, Costco's board chair. “The demands of our business and our steadfast commitment to serve our members mean that we cannot afford to do anything but hire and promote the most qualified individuals.”
Microsoft: Aligning DEI with Global Business Goals
Microsoft continues to champion DEI, emphasizing its role in developing products and services for a global audience. The company reaffirmed its commitment through their annual Global Diversity and Inclusion Report, underscoring its focus on recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse talent.
“By actively seeking diversity and embracing inclusion, we ensure our workforce represents the planet we serve, and that the products we build always meet our customers’ needs,” said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.
Ben & Jerry’s: Integrating DEI with Social Responsibility
Ben & Jerry’s has doubled down on its DEI efforts, despite criticism from certain groups. As a brand known for activism, the company has remained steadfast in supporting social and racial justice initiatives. Since its founding, Ben & Jerry’s has integrated progressive values into its business strategy, advocating for environmental sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equity. This commitment has solidified its brand identity and resonated with socially conscious consumers. Each year since 1989, which was the first they reported on their social performance, Ben & Jerry’s has been delivering a Social & Environmental Assessment Report.
Delta: DEI as a Business Imperative
Delta Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to DEI, highlighting it as essential to its business strategy. The airline’s “Faces of Travel” program aims to increase diverse representation in travel culture, ensuring all customers feel welcomed. Additionally, Delta’s skills-first hiring approach prioritizes candidates’ experience and skills over traditional academic credentials, expanding access to opportunity. By maintaining robust DEI reporting and supplier diversity initiatives, including the publication of annual DEI Reports, Delta reinforces its commitment to transparency and demonstrates that inclusivity drives both talent acquisition and business success.
“DEI is about talent, and that’s been our focus,” Delta Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter said. “We are steadfast in our commitment because we think they are actually critical to our business,” Carter stated in response to a question about the airline’s DEI plans.
The Future of DEI in Business
DEI is not just a moral imperative—it’s a business advantage. In 2025 and beyond, businesses that invest in inclusivity will not only meet the evolving expectations of employees and consumers but also position themselves for sustainable success.
At cred, we stand strong on our DEI values and will continue to demonstrate our commitments not just in words, but through meaningful action that supports our employees, partners, and broader community.
